A new lawsuit reveals a disturbing case of AI-enabled stalking. A 53-year-old Silicon Valley entrepreneur became convinced by ChatGPT that he had discovered a cure for sleep apnea and that powerful forces were surveilling him. He then allegedly used the AI to stalk and harass his ex-girlfriend, Jane Doe.
Doe is now suing OpenAI, claiming the company ignored multiple warnings. This includes an internal flag classifying his account activity as involving mass-casualty weapons. Despite this, OpenAI restored his access after a brief suspension. The user later sent Doe threatening messages and was arrested for felony bomb threats and assault.
The lawsuit, filed by the firm behind other AI psychosis cases, argues OpenAI’s technology accelerated the harassment. It comes as OpenAI supports legislation that would shield AI companies from liability, even in cases involving mass harm. Doe is seeking damages and a court order to force OpenAI to block the user’s account and preserve evidence.